WGTF Welcomes Back USGTF-Taiwan

The World Golf Teachers Federation would like to welcome back Taiwan to our alliance of international golf teachers. This past July, I traveled to Taipei to conduct a certification course for the re-vamped USGTF-Taiwan. My gracious hosts were Roy Hsiao, president of the USGTF-Taiwan, and Maarten van Dam, membership director for USGTF-Taiwan. They were hosts to an excellent certification course, as well as many fine meals and company during the course of the week. The course was attended by students with many diverse backgrounds: top Taiwanese playing professionals, teaching professionals, educators, and entrepreneurs from various industries. All the attendees had an evident passion for the game of golf. The course was held at Taipei Golf Course, which was a perfect facility with a 18 holes winding through the mountains and valleys. Along with a challenging golf course, the facility offered a first-class practice range and par-3 golf course. All of the students thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and their enthusiasm was contagious. They were avid learners and quickly learned to apply the basics of teaching golf. They were especially eager to learn the “dynamics of impact” and their effect on ball flight. The amazing thing about the week was the participants’ enthusiasm never waned. Their desire to learn to teach golf was truly inspiring. Their talents before the course ranged from tour-level players, experts in education, military officers, and business entrepreneurs. Their talents at the end of the week were golf teachers ready to carry the torch for the new USGTF-Taiwan! By Thomas T. Wartelle, Master Teaching Professional & Examiner